5 out-of-the-way record stores to visit in New Orleans

In case anyone meandering into Skully'z overlooks the floors littered with re-purposed milk crates holding vinyl sleeves, this sign stands as a reminder to those who might look for a bargain on second-hand records. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

In case anyone meandering into Skully'z overlooks the floors littered with re-purposed milk crates holding vinyl sleeves, this sign stands as a reminder to those who might look for a bargain on second-hand records. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

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While I don’t have the funds for buying records like I did in high school, I live for the rare day when I can scrape two coins together (or ignore a meal) and get my hands on a new LP. Thankfully, the Crescent City is quite a haven for cratediggers and, even more opportune, there are SOME shops that won’t charge you $40 for a new record just to capitalize on vinyl’s popularity and offset their rent. Here are five of them.

Don’t turn your nose up at this pint-sized shop just because of the street it’s on. While it’s tough to navigate the small space, its got an impressive selection to compensate, with plenty of hard-to-find LPs and boxed sets. Skully’z is especially kind to fans of metal and electronic music, but there’s a fair selection of Motown and blues to keep the range diverse. Scott, the owner, is remarkably friendly and knowledgeable.

Darkness! This newer location on Magazine Street trifles playfully with the occult and is THE shop for hardcore punk, metal and goth music in the city. The DIY ethos runs deep, from the promotion of local bands to the purposefully low price tags. We’re talking from $8 to $15 for new LP’s, list prices not at all concerned with turning a profit. While it’s not a stop for traditional blues or Zydeco, it’s an elegant shop with plenty of surprises.

This independent Bywater jewel is so much fun to explore. While unassuming on the outside, its two floors have just about anything you can imagine. From bins of $1 dance 45s to the newest indie rock LP’s and an immense jazz selection upstairs, it’s the closest I think any New Orleans shop comes to the experience of getting lost in an Amoeba Records on the West Coast. While slightly more expensive, this place doesn’t price gouge its selection, which is a blessing because you’re going to find far more than what you came for.

Deep cuts you say? Look no further. This place is the stop for jazz, blues, zydeco and funk music, new and used. More often than not, you can listen to free jazz shows here, a cozier space than the freewheeling roulette of the Frenchmen venues outside. Grab your Thelonious Monk reissues, say hey to Snooks the cat and explore this classic Louisiana record store.

This Seventh Ward stop seems to get left out of this conversation far too often, and I’m going to come right out and say that it’s got the most painstakingly curated selection of all these shops. The shop’s got a ridiculous selection of garage rock and punk albums, a treasure trove of quality jazz and R&B 45s and the best selection of world music and fun stuff to throw on your turntable, all at fantastically low prices. The cozy location looks more like a house than a shop, and the bizarre range of stuff you can find there is more than worth the trip. Be advised: cash only.

Rating: 4/5

With the lights turned off and the store closed, the titular sign for Sisters in Christ seems to fade in from the vignette of the store. Located on Magazine Street, the store is open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

Starting with the ‘New Vinyl’ section, Louisiana Music Factory features New Orleans’ own R&B/Soul legend Fats Domino and heavy metal supergroup DOWN at the beginning. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

Snooks may be considered the unofficial ‘mascot’ of Louisiana Music Factory. The furry feline is a staple of the store, greeting guests as they come in. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

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As is the rest of Skully’z, so is its identifying signage: a minimalist advertisement of the address, patron city and name of the shop with an apropos logo sticker-ed to the shop window. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer

In case anyone meandering into Skully’z overlooks the floors littered with re-purposed milk crates holding vinyl sleeves, this sign stands as a reminder to those who might look for a bargain on second-hand records. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer